Nestled in the heart of the sought-after Glorietta neighborhood of Orinda, 29 Brookside Road combines Old World charm with the best of present-day amenities. This desirable private oasis is only minutes from downtown Orinda, shopping, BART, and highly acclaimed Orinda schools (including Miramonte High School, in the top-rated district in California). Children can walk to popular Meadow Swim and Tennis Club and to Glorietta Elementary School (via the walking trail from Meadow that opens directly on to the school playground). The spacious 4442 square foot estate home was originally built sixty years ago and has had only two owners. The five bedroom, four bathroom residence has been beautifully expanded and remodeled by its current longtime owners who have taken care to preserve the character of the original house. The lushly landscaped .37 acre setting offers multiple venues for outdoor living.
The splashing of a fountain lures the visitor down the brick-lined path, through the inviting gardens, to the front entry. The charming foyer, with hardwood flooring, offers French doors to an enchanted private deck. The inviting living room, also with hardwood floor, features a traditional fireplace with wood mantel and French doors to the deck. The beautiful flooring continues into the formal dining room, with its delightful bay window and built-in cabinetry. The true heart of the home is the warm kitchen/family room. The gourmet kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances, including Subzero refrigerator, GE double ovens, and Jenn-air gas cooktop. Thoughtfully designed with views of the garden, the built-in breakfast nook is large enough for the whole family. Featuring built-in media cabinetry and bookshelves, the family room is a natural gathering place, with cozy fireside seating in winter and French doors opening to the patio in the summer.
The main level includes four charming bedrooms, one currently used as an office. Each spacious room offers its own delights, including a window seat, chair rail, wooded views. There are two bathrooms on this level. One has separate tiled shower and tub, while the second has a tiled shower. The adjacent laundry room has access both to the bathroom and the yard, for ease of cleaning up after romps in the garden.
There is no reason to book a weekend in Carmel when the exquisite master suite awaits upstairs. With its high beamed ceiling, hardwood floor, recessed lighting, and lovely pastoral views, it has all the charm of a bed-and-breakfast. A cozy sitting alcove is the perfect place to curl up with a book and two large walk-in closets afford ample storage. The sumptuous spa bathroom, with its high ceiling and custom windows, is a light aerie, with two sinks, vanity, and separate tub and shower.
The versatile downstairs offers a haven for all activities. Built-in desks are ideal for a home office or homework, media cabinetry suggests movie night for a crowd, French doors to the patio and yard are perfect for indoor/outdoor playroom. A convenient full bathroom with tiled shower makes this space possible for au pair or guest as well. An oversize two room basement/storage area is a convenient repository for luggage, sports equipment, or holiday items. Additional features include three separate zones of central heating and air conditioning, dual pane wood windows and doors, and fire resistant tile roof.
The verdant outdoor setting offers numerous venues for entertaining and play. The fully fenced yard includes level lawns, rear patio with basketball hoop, spa, and trellised patio with brick fireplace and outdoor grill. There is a two-car garage in the rear of the house, with driveway on Orchard Road, allowing for the exceptional curb appeal of the home. 29 Brookside Road is truly a marriage of the charm of early Orinda, with its Mediterranean influences and traditional architecture, coupled with the space, convenience, and pampering demanded by today’s busy lifestyle.